Water Cycle - Marcom Projects

Teacher’s Guide 

Water Cycle 

Grades 5-9 

WCTV

CREDITS 

Program Production 

Teacher’s Guide 

Print Material Design 

© 2004 Sunburst Visual Media, a division of Global Video, LLC 

Hawthorne, NY 10532 

Approximate running time: 34 minutes 

Water Cycle Video Quiz 

Sunburst Visual Media 

Rose Bulau, M.Ed. 

National Board Certification 

Desktop Productions

Table of 

Contents 

Guide Information..................................05 

Fast Facts ..............................................07 

Before Viewing Activities ........................08 

During Viewing Activities ........................13 

After Viewing Activities ..........................18 

After Viewing Quizzes ............................24 

Additional Resources ..............................26 

Answer Keys ..........................................33 

Script ....................................................44 

© Sunburst Visual Media, a division of Global Video, LLC Water Cycle Video Quiz

About This Guide 

Providing students with visual media is an excellent way to take them out of the 

classroom and into the real world. Our programs offer real-world footage, dynamic 

graphics, engaging dramatizations, and first-person testimonials that keep students 

interested and help them visualize difficult concepts. More importantly, they reinforce 

critical learning objectives shaped by state and national educational standards. However, 

the learning doesn’t begin and end when the program does. You can make the learning 

experience even more effective by using the materials provided in this Teacher’s Guide. 

This guide is divided into the following sections: 

• Fast Facts are designed to give your students a quick overview of the 

information presented within the video. 

• Before Viewing Activities help identify what students already know 

about the subject, what they are curious about, and what they hope to learn. 

• During Viewing Activities may be used during viewing to enhance 

students’ understanding of the video. 

• After Viewing Activities help students summarize and draw conclusions 

from the information that was presented. 

• After Viewing Quizzes test students’ retention of the information presented 

in the program and activity sheets. 

• Additional Resources are designed to help you extend the information 

presented in the program into other areas of your curriculum. 

• Answer Keys are provided for relevant activities or reproducible pages. 

• Script content is provided in an unabridged version for future reference. 

© Sunburst Visual Media, a division of Global Video, LLC Water Cycle Video Quiz 

Guide 

Information 

5

Program Overview 

6 

Objectives from the National Science Foundation Correlations: 

Students should develop an understanding of structure and function in living 

systems. 

Water, which covers the majority of the Earth’s surface, circulates through the 

crust, oceans, and atmosphere in what is known as the “water cycle.” Water 

evaporates from the earth’s surface, rises and cools as it moves to higher 

elevations, condenses as rain or snow, and falls to the surface where it collects 

in lakes, oceans, soil, and in rocks underground. 

Guide 

Information 

Water Cycle Video Quiz provides a comprehensive look at this topic. Students explore 

the important role water plays in critical aspects of the Earth. In addition, students will 

investigate the path water takes as it is recycled as it has been over millions of years. 

Viewing Objectives 

By viewing the video and engaging in the activities provided, 

students will be able to: 

• Learn to appreciate the importance of water 

to our environment 

• Illustrate the basic water cycle 

• Detail what happens to water once it falls 

to earth as precipitation 

Water Cycle Video Quiz © Sunburst Visual Media, a division of Global Video, LLC

Water Cycle Fast Facts 

• The water cycle is nature’s way of 

distributing water to everyone and 

everything on Earth. 

• Water nourishes plants and animals, 

and carries impurities away. 

• Just about all the water on Earth today 

has been recycled millions of times. 

• A biogeochemical cycle is the Earth’s 

way of processing natural resources, 

such as nitrogen, oxygen, carbon, and 

water. 

• Water is the most common compound 

found on Earth. 

• All living things require water to survive. 

• Each water molecule has two atoms of 

hydrogen and one atom of oxygen. 

• Water is a universal solvent because it 

has polarity, which helps break down 

other compounds. 

• Polarity causes water molecules to stick 

to one another and to other substances. 

• Water naturally occurs in solid, liquid, 

and gas forms, depending on its 

temperature. 

• Water freezes to its solid form at 0 

degrees Celsius or 32 degrees 

Fahrenheit. 

• Water reaches the boiling point at 100 

degrees Celsius or 212 degrees 

Fahrenheit. 

• Water’s ability to change form is what 

makes the water cycle so efficient. 

• Every molecule of water has kinetic 

energy, which makes the molecules 

vibrate. 

• Heat increases the kinetic energy in the 

water molecules, making them vibrate 

faster and spread out. Water molecules 

that escape their bonds are absorbed 

into the air as gas, or water vapor. 

• The rate of evaporation is determined 

by the temperature and humidity of the 

air. 

• Once water vapor rises into the air, it 

reacts to atmospheric conditions, such 

as the temperature. 

• As water molecules slow down, water 

vapor bonds together again and forms 

liquid droplets around dust particles in 

the air. This is condensation. 

• Water vapor close to the Earth’s surface 

when it condenses is fog. 

• Precipitation occurs when the water 

droplets become too heavy and fall. 

• Precipitation can be in the form of snow, 

sleet, hail, mist, and haze. 

• The path of precipitation after it falls to 

the ground is determined by the slope 

of the land, the amount of vegetation 

on the surface, the level of ground 

saturation, the amount and rate of 

rainfall, and the permeability of the 

ground. 

• If ground is permeable, that means 

water can flow through it. 

• If ground is saturated, that means it is 

full of water. 

• Plants absorb a significant amount of 

water through their roots. They put it 

back into the atmosphere afterwards, 

releasing water vapor through pores in 

their leaves. This is transpiration. 

• Water accumulates and circulates 

underground in a zone of saturation. 

• The top level of the zone of saturation is 

the water table. 

• Hot springs are created by water that 

sinks very deep into the Earth and then 

returns to the surface through natural 

openings. 

• Geysers are hot springs that shoot out 

of the ground at intervals. 


Fast Facts 

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Name 

8 


Before Viewing 

Activity 1 

Show what you already know about the water cycle by filling in the bubble map below. 

Add illustrations where appropriate. 


Name 

Word Splash 

Here you will find important vocabulary words related to this topic. On a separate 

piece of paper, write a paragraph, telling what you know about the water cycle. 

Use as many of the words listed here as possible. Use a dictionary, if necessary. 


Activity 2 


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Name 

10 

Water Journaling 


Activity 3 

What role has water played in your life today? Think about everything you have done 

so far today. What things did you do that you could not possibly have done without the 

use of water? Tell about these things in a well-written paragraph. 

Water and you! 

What could you not have 

done today without water? 

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Name 

Did You Know? 

Teacher Note: You may want to use the science investigation sheet found on pages 31 and 32 

of the Additional Resources.. 

Follow the steps to see what you can find out about water. 

Background Information: 

• Rain falling on the earth runs off as streams, evaporates, is held by soils, and soaks 

into the earth. 

• Water that soaks into porous rocks is called underground water, or ground water. 

Water will flow into porous rocks until the rocks become saturated. The level of 

saturation depends upon weather conditions and is higher during rainy seasons 

and lower during dry seasons. 

• The surface between the level of saturation and nonsaturation is called the water 

table. Underground water does not flow in streams, nor does it occur in lake-like 

pools, but is very similar to the model in this activity. A water well is a hole drilled 

in the earth to a point below the water table. Dry spells may cause the water table 

to lower, thus causing a well to go dry. 

In this investigation, you will measure the amount of water a porous rock will soak up 

and then observe a model of a water table and a well. 

1. Gather materials: balance scale, sandstone samples, water, jar, cardboard tube, 

coarse sand, and an aquarium. Weigh the sandstone rock and record its weight. 

2. Place the sandstone rock in a jar of water and let it soak overnight. 

3. After the rock has soaked overnight, shake the excess water from the rock and 

weigh it again. Record the weight. How can you account for any change in the 

weight of the rock? Will rocks hold water? 

4. Obtain a cardboard tube and an empty aquarium. Hold the tube in the center 

of the aquarium and fill the area around the tube with sand. Pack the sand firmly 

to help support the tube. 

5. Slowly pour water all over the surface of the sand until the sand is wet. 

Where does the water go? 

6. Carefully add more water. Observe the bottom of the aquarium through the tube 

for several minutes. Record your observations. Is this like a well? 

7. Look through the glass of the aquarium side. Record your observations. Would you 

call this a water table? What is a water table? 


Activity 4 


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Name 

12 

What’s the Water Cycle? 

Study the diagram below. Based on the diagram, write a paragraph explaining 

the steps of the water cycle. Use as many details from the diagram as possible. 

condensation 

transpiration 

precipitation 

surface runoff 

subsurface runoff 

condensation 

evaporation 

accumulation 


Activity 5 

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Name 

Water Graphing 

In the video, information is given about percents and water. Listen for the specific 

information for the labeled circles given below. Use the information to make two 

correctly drawn circle graphs. 

_______ percent of the Earth is water. 

_______ percent of our body weight 

is water. 

During Viewing 

Activity 1 


13

Name 

14 

Columns of Water 

As you listen to the video, write the information you discover about the three forms 

of water in the three-column chart below. 

Solid 

Liquid Gas 


Activity 2 


Name 


After Viewing 

Activity 3 

Listed below are the steps water molecules go through during evaporation. The steps are 

out of order. On the lines, number the steps, starting with 1, to show the correct sequence. 

_____ The molecules with the most energy escape their bonds with the slower moving 

water molecules. 

_____ Kinetic energy makes the water molecules vibrate. 

_____ As the molecules move faster, they spread out. 

_____ Heat from the sun increases the kinetic energy. 

_____ The water molecules are now absorbed into the air as gas, or water vapor. 

_____ The increase in the kinetic energy causes the molecules to vibrate faster. 

Now, in the space below, draw a diagram of water molecules going through evaporation. 


15

Name 

16 

Take a Note 


Activity 4 

Listen for information regarding the factors that determine the path of precipitation 

after it falls to the ground. List them below. Use the word bank at the bottom of the 

page to help you with the vocabulary. 

1. ______________________________________________________________________________ 

2. ______________________________________________________________________________ 

3. ______________________________________________________________________________ 

4. ______________________________________________________________________________ 

5. ______________________________________________________________________________ 

slope 

vegetation 

surface 

saturation 

permeability 


Name 

Vocabulary Match-Up 

Match each term to its description by writing its letter on the line before the description. 

A. glacier/polar icecap B. geyser C. hot springs 

D. reservoir E. water table F. zone of saturation 

G. transpiration H. saturated I. permeable 

J. runoff K. precipitation L. condensation 

M. evaporation N. polarity O. H2O 

P. biogeochemical cycle Q. water cycle R. humidity 

_____ how water is soaked into the atmosphere 

_____ when water vapor bonds together and forms liquid droplets around dust particles 

_____ how plants release water vapor into the atmosphere 

_____ evaporation, condensation, precipitation 

_____ the water vapor in our air 

_____ liquid can flow through it 

_____ hot springs that shoot out of the ground at intervals 

_____ water from deep inside the Earth that comes to the surface 

_____ the property that helps break down compounds 

_____ holds 2% of our water 

_____ the place underground where water accumulates and circulates 

_____ holds extra water for people in a community to use 

_____ the Earth’s way of processing natural resources 

_____ the top level of the zone of saturation 

_____ water that comes off the side of a hill or mountain 

_____ rain, snow, sleet, hail 

_____ when the ground is full of water 

_____ water 


Activity 5 


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Name 

18 

Water Fill-In 

Use what you have learned to label the diagram below. Use the definitions at the 

bottom of the page if needed. 

After Viewing 

Activity 1 

Accumulation – The process in which water pools in large bodies (like oceans, seas 

and lakes). 

Condensation – The process in which water vapor (a gas) in the air turns into liquid 

water. Condensing water forms clouds in the sky. Water drops that form on the outside 

of a glass of icy water are condensed water. (This term appears twice in the diagram.) 

Evaporation – The process in which liquid water becomes water vapor (a gas). Water 

vaporizes from the surfaces of oceans and lakes, from the surface of the land, and from 

melts in snow fields. 

Precipitation – The process in which water (in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail) 

falls from clouds in the sky. 

Subsurface Runoff – Rain, snowmelt, or other water that flows in underground 

streams, drains, or sewers. 

Surface Runoff – Rain, snowmelt, or other water that flows in surface streams, rivers, 

or canals. 

Transpiration – The process in which some water within plants evaporates into the 

atmosphere. Water is first absorbed by the plant’s roots, then later exits by evaporating 

through pores in the plant. 


Name 

Water Cloze Use words below to correctly complete paragraph. 

solvent 

zero 

polarity 

100 

natural 

condensation 

evaporation 

temperature 

biogeochemical 

precipitation 

liquid 

solid 

vapor 

ocean 

kinetic 

runoff 

molecules 

saturated 

permeable 

water 

gas 

Earth 

water table 

zone of 

saturation 

_____________ is an essential part of the life cycle. It nourishes plants and animals and carries 

impurities away. The water that was on _____________ millions of years ago is the same water 

that you drink today. On Earth, major elements and nutrients are used and recycled in 

____________________ cycles – Earth’s way of processing ______________ resources, such 

as nitrogen, oxygen, carbon, and water. Water is referred to as the universal _________________ 

because it has a property called _____________ that helps break down other compounds. Water 

naturally occurs in ____________, ____________, and ________ forms depending on temperature. 

Water freezes to a solid form at _________ degrees Celsius and boils at ______ degrees Celsius. 

Water is soaked into our atmosphere everyday through ________________. When the sun comes 

up after a rainstorm, puddles dry up, but the water has not disappeared. It has become water 

_____________. _____________ energy causes water _________________ to move faster when the 

temperature is warmer and slower when the temperature is cooler. When the ________________ 

drops, the water ____________ turns to liquid again – this is called ___________________. 

When the condensed water droplets in clouds get too heavy, they fall to Earth in the form of 

___________________. Although 97% of all water is in the __________, water travels on land too, 

above and below ground. When rain falls on the side of a mountain, it runs downhill — this is 

called ____________. Some of this water will reach the bottom of the hill and _________________ 

ground – or ground that liquid can flow through. If the ground is ________________, the water 

continues to lower ground or streams or rivers. Underground, water accumulates and circulates 

in a ______________________________. The top level of the zone of saturation usually lies 

beneath the ground surface and is called a _________________________________. The water 

table rises and falls as the amount of water in the ground fluctuates. 

After Viewing 

Activity 2 


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Name 

20 

Prove It! 

After Viewing 

Activity 3 

Using information gained from the video, write a paragraph that proves the following 

statement to be true. Be sure to use specific details and exact vocabulary from the 

video to make your statement strong. 

PROVE IT: The water cycle is 

more than just the three 

“shunns” (condensation, 

precipitation, and 

evaporation.) 

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Name 

Map It Out 

In the video, you found out where geysers and glaciers are located. Use the information 

you gained about these locations to color and label the appropriate areas of the world 

for geysers and glaciers. Use available resources, if needed. 

G 

E 

Y 

S 

E 

R 

S 

G 

L 

A 

C 

I 

E 

R 

S 

After Viewing 

Activity 4 


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22 

True/False 

After Viewing 

Activity 5 

Write a “T” in front of each true statement an an “F” in front of each false statement. 

_____ 1. Water is an essential part of the life cycle. 

_____ 2. About 75% of Earth is water. 

_____ 3. The scientific abbreviation for water is O2H. 

_____ 4. Water is called the universal solvent. 

_____ 5. Water freezes at zero degrees Fahrenheit. 

_____ 6. When a puddle disappears on a sunny day, it has likely evaporated. 

_____ 7. Potential energy makes molecules vibrate. 

_____ 8. Fog is a form of condensation. 

_____ 9. Precipitation falls in the form of rain, snow, sleet, and hail. 

_____ 10. The basic water cycle includes evaporation, transpiration, and condensation. 

_____ 11. Runoff from rain soaks completely into the ground. 

_____ 12. Permeable means liquid can flow through it. 

_____ 13. The way plants release water is called transpiration. 

_____ 14. The zone of saturation is completely solid. 

_____ 15. Water heats up underground. 

_____ 16. About 2% of our fresh water is stored in glaciers and polar ice caps. 


Name 

Water World 

Teacher Note: You may want to use the science investigation sheet found on pages 31 and 32 

of the Additional Resources.. 

Follow these steps to create a terrarium to model the basic elements of the water cycle. 

1. Gather materials: 

• Soil 

• Water 

• Spray bottle 

• Large sunny window or grow light 

• Fast and reliably germinating seeds 

(marigolds, herbs, lima beans, etc.) 

• Plastic salad container from a fast food 

restaurant or some similar clear plastic 

container (a Ziploc ® bag will work if there 

are not enough salad containers available) 

2. Review the different parts of the water cycle: 

evaporation, precipitation, and condensation. 

3. Assemble the terrariums: Put about an inch of soil in the bottom of 

the plastic container, plant a seed according to the package instructions, and give a 

thorough soaking of water. The initial watering should be all that is necessary since 

the plastic container will create a closed environment that will not allow the water to 

escape into the atmosphere. 

4. Label the terrariums and put them in a sunny window or under a grow light. 

5. Observing the terrariums: Make observations about the terrariums each day and 

record the observations. Try to do the observations at different times each day. 

Record what is seen in writing and/or in pictures. 

6. Participate in a class discussion, focusing on the following questions: 

• We only watered the soil in our terrariums once; how did the water get on the lid? 

• Take your lid off the terrarium and feel the soil. Why is the soil still wet? 

• Do you think that any water has evaporated from the soil? Why? 

• If water evaporated, where did the evaporated water go? 

• Did it ever rain in your terrarium? How do you know? Where did it come from? 

• Is there anything in your terrarium that reminds you of a cloud or cloud drops? 

After Viewing 

Activity 6 


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Name 

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Content Quiz 

Choose the best answer for each question. 

After Viewing 

Quiz 

1. What is a Biogeochemical Cycle? 

a. The destruction of natural resources b. Earth’s way of recycling natural resources 

c. Human’s use of chemicals d. A motorcycle that runs on natural resources 

2. Water is made of ________________. 

a. hydrogen b. carbon 

c. oxygen d. a and c only 

3. The earth has less water today than it did a million years ago. 

a. True b. False 

4. How much of the earth is covered by water? 

a. 50% b. 65% 

c. 20% d. 75% 

5. Most of the Earth’s water ________________. 

a. has been recycled only once b. has been recycle only twice 

c. has been recycled millions of times d. has never been recycled 

6. What are the three forms of water? 

a. Solid, liquid, ice b. Solid, liquid, gas 

c. Gas, vapor, ice d. Gas, liquid, ice 

7. When the air is hot and dry, water will evaporate more quickly. 


8. Which property of water makes molecules stick together? 

a. Polarity b. Molarity 

c. Solvent action d. Dissolving action 

9. The process in which water cools to form clouds is called ________________. 

a. precipitation b. condensation 

c. evaporation d. transpiration 

10. Precipitation occurs when ________________. 

a. water molecules rise into the air b. water vapor condenses into liquid droplets 

c. water droplets become too heavy d. plants release water into the atmosphere 

and fall to the ground 

11. The ____________ allows living organisms to live a distance from bodies of water. 

a. Water polarity b. Water temperature 

c. Water savings program d. Water cycle 


Name 

Content Quiz (cont.) 


12. Which process takes place at the pores of plants? 

a. Precipitation b. Condensation 

c. Transpiration d. Evaporation 

13. The amount of water in the ground is ________________. 

a. less than in the oceans b. 25 times more than all lakes and rivers 

c. one a quarter of the amount d. all of the above 

frozen in glaciers 

14. Which characteristic determines whether ground water will sink 

into the ground or run off? 

a. Slope of the land b. Level of ground saturation 

c. Rate of precipitation d. All of the above 

15. The zone of saturation is ________________. 

a. where water circulates underground b. is solid, impermeable rock 

c. feeds rivers and streams d. a and c 

16. When does the water table rise? 

a. When evaporation takes place b. When condensation takes place 

c. When precipitation falls d. When transpiration takes place 

17. Vegetation decreases the rate of runoff 


18. Permeable ground means ________________. 

a. rocky ground that doesn’t allow b. ground that is full of water 

water to pass through it d. ground that is really steep 

c. ground that water can pass through 

19. The temperature of ground water rises with increasing depth 


20. Heated water comes to the surface through natural openings 

in the ground called ________________. 

a. hot springs b. glaciers 

c. waterfalls d. artesian wells 

After Viewing 

Quiz 


25

Extensions 

Creative Writing – Write a story from the point of view of a water droplet as it 

experiences the full water cycle. When does the story begin? Where does the water 

droplet end up? 

Picture dictionary – Create a picture dictionary using vocabulary words from the 

video. Be sure to use accurate illustrations to describe each word. 

Interview – Contact your local meteorologist and ask to conduct an interview. Think of 

questions related to the water cycle. Report your interview findings to your class. 

Cultural Impact – You have learned that without the water cycle, people would not be 

able to live away from sources of water. Research an area of the world that receives 

little rainfall – how do the people there adapt to their conditions? 

Too much rain – There are some parts of the world that regularly receive a lot of rain. 

Why do these areas flood? How does rainfall affect the lives of the people in this area? 

Do your research on the Internet or in your library. 

Rain gauge – If it is the rainy season where you live, create a rain gauge (you can use 

a container and mark your measurements on the side) and record the rain you get in a 

period of time on a table. Make a line graph showing the pattern of rainfall you 

received. 

Create a game – Before your next P.E. class, create a physical game that you can play 

to help reinforce some of the concepts of the video. Be creative, but use evidence from 

the program. 

Game Show – With a group of students, create a game quiz show to practice your 

knowledge of the water cycle. Fashion the game after your favorite TV game show or 

be creative and make up your own format. 

Board games – Create a board game for other students. The game should include all 

of the elements of the water cycle. Test it out on your classmates to see if it is fun and 

educational. 

Poster – Make a poster showing the water cycle. Be sure to label your drawings and 

make your poster visually appealing. 

Bumper sticker – Create a bumper sticker encouraging people to conserve water. 

How many people will place your bumper sticker on their cars? 

26 

Additional 

Resources 


Extensions 

Solvents – You learned in the program that water is a universal solvent. What are 

some other solvents? How do we use them? Research and report back to the class with 

the information you uncover. 

Ocean Water – You know that 75% of Earth is water, but much of that water is in the 

oceans. What is the difference between ocean water and other water? How do we use 

the different types of water? Why is fresh water so important? Decide how you can 

share this information with the class. 

Global Warming – You know that much of our freshwater supply is frozen in glaciers 

or polar ice caps. Do some research on global warming. What is the potential impact 

of global warming? How will it affect our water supply? How will it affect life on earth? 

The Power of Observation - Snow is not frozen rain. That’s sleet. Snow is a crystal of 

ice that forms around a microscopic particle of dust or bacteria in the atmosphere, 

where it is generally less than 5°F (-20.5 °C). To look at snow, you need a microscope 

that’s been chilled way below zero-- anything warmer than that will melt the flake. 

There are seven basic types of snow crystals: plates, star shapes, columns, needles, 

spatial dendrites, capped columns, and irregular crystals. Find out which types are the 

most common where you live, and create a sketch of them. 

Water Table Investigation - What is the depth of the water table in your area at 

different locations and different times of the year? This information can be obtained 

from local land or geologic agencies. Research to find this information and share it 

with the class. You might also be able to get a guest speaker to come from a local 

agency to share information with the class. 

Well Drilling - Give the student a rock sample and have her/him determine whether a 

water well drilled in this type of rock might produce water. Have students create 

investigations that will lead to an answer for their chosen rock samples. 

Reader’s Theater - Have students perform the reader’s theater script about the water 

cycle that can be found at enchantedlearning.com. They might also choose to write 

their own readers theater script or play script and present it to the class. 

Walk Around - Take a walk around the school grounds. Look for proof of the water 

cycle. Have students draw and label diagrams of places on the school grounds where 

there is evidence that the water cycle has been at work. 


Additional 

Resources 

27

Extensions 

Exploration Ideas 

Have students investigate the following questions related to the water cycle. 

• What are the three forms that water takes? How do the forms change? How does ice 

change into water? Water into vapor? 

• What percentage of the human body is made up of water? How much of the earth is 

covered by water? 

• How does water shape the earth, create canyons, alter the shape of mountains, 

erode shorelines, etc.? 

• What role does water play in weather? How are rainbows created when it rains? 

• How does water determine the environment? (For example, less than eleven inches 

of rain creates vast desert areas; an abundance of rain results in a rain forest; and 

both have distinct plant and animal life that have adapted to those conditions). 

• Explore a local body of water. Have students create a map of your region or state on 

one wall in the classroom. Discuss the different bodies of water that exist in your area 

(lakes, ponds, streams, ocean, etc.). Draw and label them on the map. Explore water 

sources in the community. Where does your drinking water come from? How much 

rainfall do you get each year? 

• Explore environmental issues related to water. As a class, or in small groups, explore 

the issues of pollution and global warming. Have students do research and create 

drawings, write reports, or do projects to report their findings to the rest of the class 

or to other classes. 

28 

Additional 

Resources 


Suggested Reading List 

Hooper, Meredith. The Drop in my Drink: The Story of Water on our Planet. Illustrated 

by Chris Coady. Viking. Here is the amazing and ever-changing story of waterwhere 

it comes from, how it behaves, why it matters-and the crucial role it has 

played throughout life on Earth. The eye-catching illustrations are realistic and 

thought provoking. 

Kahl, Jonathan D. W. Weather Watch: Forecasting the Weather. This book provides 

answers to many weather-related questions. Who was the first weather forecaster? 

What kinds of clouds bring rain? What’s a hygrometer? This book teaches you all 

about the science of meteorology and the job of weather forecasting. You’ll also 

learn sky-watching techniques, how to read a weather map, and how to build your 

own weather instruments. 

Laser, Michael. The Rain. Illustrated by Jeffrey Greene. Simon & Schuster. Five different 

people experience rain: an elderly man, a man on a train, a woman at home and 

two children in the woods. Each experience is different and so is each reaction. 

Locker, Thomas. Water Dance. Harcourt Brace. This inspiring book about water 

involves readers in a question-and-answer format. Vivid oil paintings portray 

the natural movement of water and will enhance observational skills. Fascinating 

scientific facts about water follow the poetic text. 

Lyon, George Ella. Come a Tide. Illustrated by Stephen Gammell. Orchard. You 

don’t generally associate a tide with Kentucky but the old folks there know that 

heavy rains are coming and coping with it takes a community effort. Apparently 

the flooding is a yearly occurrence and one small child is fearful. However 

Grandma faces the challenge with gusto and soon everybody is “making 

friends with a shovel” to clean up the mess. 

Sund, R., Tillery, B.,& Trowbridge, L. Elementary Science Discovery Lessons: The Earth 

Sciences. Allyn and Bacon, Inc. This resource includes several hands-on, mindson 

investigations involving water and the water cycle. 

Wick, Walter. A Drop of Water: A Book of Science and Wonder. Illustrated with many 

photographs by the author. Scholastic Press. This book uses an easy-to-read text 

and exquisite photographs to explain the concepts of evaporation, condensation, 

capillary attraction, and surface tension. The camera halts and magnifies the 

action so all states of water can be observed. A collection of simple, exceptional 

experiments offers ways to further investigate the principles of water transformation. 


Additional 

Resources 

29

Internet Sites 

Below is a list of sites that you may use to find more information about the water 

cycle. Due to routine web maintenance, not all of the links will be accurate at the 

time of access. If the link is not available, try to conduct a search on that topic from 

the main site or from a search engine. 

http://www-k12.atmos.washington.edu/k12/pilot/water_cycle/ 

grabber2.html 

This site includes diagrams and interactive features. There are many links to additional 

sites. 

http://www.cotf.edu/ete/modules/msese/earthsysflr/water.html 

This is a very kid-friendly site with colorful graphics. Students will enjoy exploring the 

variety of information provided here. 

http://kids.earth.nasa.gov/droplet.html 

This site shares the story of a droplet of water going through the water cycle. Students 

are required to navigate the droplet through its travels. 

http://www.und.edu/instruct/eng/fkarner/pages/cycle.htm 

This site includes much more detailed statistical information about the water cycle. It 

also includes more sophisticated vocabulary. 

http://www-k12.atmos.washington.edu/k12/pilot/water_cycle/ 

Students explore the question about how long our water supply has existed. They are 

also allowed to navigate through the site and record responses. 

http://www.epa.state.il.us/kids/fun-stuff/water-cycle/ 

This site provides directions for making a water cycle wheel. It is a good model for 

further study. 

http://www.teachtsp.com/products/productextras/SCISCI/watercycle.html 

Cartoon characters at this site take students through the water cycle. This site also 

contains activities that enable further investigation of the water cycle. 

30 

Additional 

Resources 


Science Investigation Sheet 

Names: 

PURPOSE (problem): 

What are you trying to find out? Write as a question, in a complete sentence. 

________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________ 

HYPOTHESIS: 

What do you think will happen? Write as a complete sentence. Use the word “because” 

in your response. 

________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________ 

MATERIALS: 

What supplies and equipment will you need? Give exact amounts. 

________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________ 

PROCEDURE: 

How will you find an answer to your problem? Describe your plan. Use numbered steps. 

Add illustrations, if appropriate. 

________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________ 


31

32 

Names: 

Science Investigation Sheet (cont.) 

COLLECTING AND INTERPRETING DATA: 

What did you see happening during and at the end of the test? Choose 2 or more ways 

to share your results: sentences, illustrations, graphs, charts, diagrams. Add additional 

sheets of paper if necessary. 

FORMING A CONCLUSION: 

What did you learn? Answer the problem question. Use at least 2 sentences. 

________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________ 

________________________________________________________________________________ 


Water Graphing 

In the video, information is given about percents and water. Listen for the specific 

information for the labeled circles given below. Use the information to make two 

correctly drawn circle graphs. 

70 

Answer Key - During Viewing Activity Sheet 1 

_______ 75 

percent of the Earth is water. 

_______ percent of our body weight 

is water. 


33

34 



Listed below are the steps water molecules go through during evaporation. The steps are 

out of order. On the lines, number the steps, starting with 1, to show the correct sequence. 

5 

_____ The molecules with the most energy escape their bonds with the slower moving 

water molecules. 

1 

_____ Kinetic energy makes the water molecules vibrate. 

4 

_____ As the molecules move faster, they spread out. 

2 

_____ Heat from the sun increases the kinetic energy. 

6 

_____ The water molecules are now absorbed into the air as gas, or water vapor. 

3 

_____ The increase in the kinetic energy causes the molecules to vibrate faster. 

Now, in the space below, draw a diagram of water molecules going through evaporation. 


Vocabulary Match-Up 

Match each term to its description by writing its letter on the line before the description. 

A. glacier/polar icecap B. geyser C. hot springs 

D. reservoir E. water table F. zone of saturation 

G. transpiration H. saturated I. permeable 

J. runoff K. precipitation L. condensation 

M. evaporation N. polarity O. H2O 

P. biogeochemical cycle Q. water cycle R. humidity 

M 

_____ how water is soaked into the atmosphere 

L 

_____ when water vapor bonds together and forms liquid droplets around dust particles 

G 

_____ how plants release water vapor into the atmosphere 

Q 

_____ evaporation, condensation, precipitation 

R 

_____ the water vapor in our air 

I 

_____ liquid can flow through it 

B 

_____ hot springs that shoot out of the ground at intervals 

C 

_____ water from deep inside the earth that comes to the surface 

N 

_____ the property that helps break down compounds 

A 

_____ holds 2% of our water 

E 

_____ the place underground where water accumulates and circulates 

D 

_____ holds extra water for people in a community to use 

P 

_____ the Earth’s way of processing natural resources 

E 

_____ the top level of the zone of saturation 

J 

_____ water that comes off the side of a hill or mountain 

K 

_____ rain, snow, sleet, hail 

H 

_____ when the ground is full of water 

O 

_____ water 



35

36 

Water Fill-In 

Answer Key - After Viewing Activity Sheet 1 

Use what you have learned to accurately label the diagram below. Use the definitions 

at the bottom of the page if needed. 

condensation 

transpiration 

precipitation 

surface runoff 

subsurface runoff 

condensation 

evaporation 

accumulation 

Accumulation – The process in which water pools in large bodies (like oceans, seas 

and lakes). 

Condensation – The process in which water vapor (a gas) in the air turns into liquid 

water. Condensing water forms clouds in the sky. Water drops that form on the outside 

of a glass of icy water are condensed water. (This term appears twice in the diagram.) 

Evaporation – The process in which liquid water becomes water vapor (a gas). Water 

vaporizes from the surfaces of oceans and lakes, from the surface of the land, and from 

melts in snow fields. 

Precipitation – The process in which water (in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail) 

falls from clouds in the sky. 

Subsurface Runoff – Rain, snowmelt, or other water that flows in underground 

streams, drains, or sewers. 

Surface Runoff – Rain, snowmelt, or other water that flows in surface streams, rivers, 

or canals. 

Transpiration – The process in which some water within plants evaporates into the 

atmosphere. Water is first absorbed by the plant’s roots, then later exits by evaporating 

through pores in the plant. 



Water Cloze Use words below to correctly complete paragraph. 

solvent 

zero 

polarity 

100 

natural 

condensation 

evaporation 

temperature 

biogeochemical 

precipitation 

liquid 

solid 

vapor 

ocean 

kinetic 

runoff 

molecules 

saturated 

permeable 

water 

gas 

Earth 

water table 

zone of 

saturation 

_____________ Water is an essential part of the life cycle. It nourishes plants and animals and carries 

impurities away. The water that was on _____________ Earth millions of years ago is the same water 

that you drink today. On Earth, major elements and nutrients are used and recycled in 

____________________ biogeochemical cycles – Earth’s way of processing ______________ natural resources, such 

as nitrogen, oxygen, carbon, and water. Water is referred to as the universal _________________ 

solvent 

because it has a property called _____________ polarity that helps break down other compounds. Water 

naturally occurs in ____________, solid ____________, liquid and ________ gas forms depending on temperature. 

Water freezes to a solid form at _________ zero degrees Celsius and boils at ______ 100 degrees Celsius. 

Water is soaked into our atmosphere everyday through ________________. evaporation When the sun comes 

up after a rainstorm, puddles dry up, but the water has not disappeared. It has become water 

_____________. vapor _____________ Kinetic energy causes water _________________ molecules to move faster when the 

temperature is warmer and slower when the temperature is cooler. When the ________________ 

temperature 

drops, the water ____________ vapor turns to liquid again – this is called ___________________. 

condensation 

When the condensed water droplets in clouds get too heavy, they fall to Earth in the form of 

___________________. precipitation Although 97% of all water is in the __________, ocean water travels on land too, 

above and below ground. When rain falls on the side of a mountain, it runs downhill — this is 

called ____________. runoff Some of this water will reach the bottom of the hill and _________________ 

permeable 

ground – or ground that liquid can flow through. If the ground is ________________, saturated the water 

continues to lower ground or streams or rivers. Underground, water accumulates and circulates 

in a ______________________________. zone of saturation The top level of the zone of saturation usually lies 

beneath the ground surface and is called a _________________________________. water table 

The water 

table rises and falls as the amount of water in the ground fluctuates. 


37

38 

Map It Out 


In the video, you found out where geysers and glaciers are located. Use the information 

you gained about these locations to color and label the appropriate areas of the world 

for geysers and glaciers. Use available resources, if needed. 

G 

E 

Y 

S 

E 

R 

S 

G 

L 

A 

C 

I 

E 

R 

S 

✘ 

✘ 

✘ 

Answers may vary, depending on the 

outside resources students use. 

However, both the north and south 

poles should be indicated here. 

Water Cycle Video Quiz © Sunburst Visual Media, a division of Global Video, LLC 

✘ 

✘

True/False 


Write a “T” in front of each true statement an an “F” in front of each false statement. 

T 

_____ 1. Water is an essential part of the life cycle. 

T 

_____ 2. About 75% of Earth is water. 

F 

_____ 3. The scientific abbreviation for water is O2H. 

T 

_____ 4. Water is called the universal solvent. 

F 

_____ 5. Water freezes at zero degrees Fahrenheit. 

T 

_____ 6. When a puddle disappears on a sunny day, it has likely evaporated. 

F 

_____ 7. Potential energy makes molecules vibrate. 

T 

_____ 8. Fog is a form of condensation. 

T 

_____ 9. Precipitation falls in the form of rain, snow, sleet, and hail. 

F 

_____ 10. The basic water cycle includes evaporation, transpiration, and condensation. 

F 

_____ 11. Runoff from rain soaks completely into the ground. 

T 

_____ 12. Permeable means liquid can flow through it. 

T 

_____ 13. The way plants release water is called transpiration. 

F 

_____ 14. The zone of saturation is completely solid. 

T 

_____ 15. Water heats up underground. 

T 

_____ 16. About 2% of our fresh water is stored in glaciers and polar ice caps. 


39

40 

Content Quiz 


Answer Key - After Viewing Quiz 


a. The destruction of natural resources b. Earth’s way of recycling natural resources 

c. Human’s use of chemicals d. A motorcycle that runs on natural resources 


a. hydrogen b. carbon 

c. oxygen d. a and c only 

3. The earth has less water today than it did a million years ago. 



a. 50% b. 65% 

c. 20% d. 75% 


a. has been recycled only once b. has been recycle only twice 

c. has been recycled millions of times d. has never been recycled 


a. Solid, liquid, ice b. Solid, liquid, gas 

c. Gas, vapor, ice d. Gas, liquid, ice 

7. When the air is hot and dry, water will evaporate more quickly. 



a. Polarity b. Molarity 

c. Solvent action d. Dissolving action 

9. The process in which water cools to form clouds is called ________________. 

a. precipitation b. condensation 

c. evaporation d. transpiration 


a. water molecules rise into the air b. water vapor condenses into liquid droplets 

c. water droplets become too heavy d. plants release water into the atmosphere 

and fall to the ground 


Answer Key - After Viewing Quiz 

Content Quiz (cont.) 


11. The ____________ allows living organisms to live a distance from bodies of water. 

a. Water polarity b. Water temperature 

c. Water savings program d. Water cycle 


a. Precipitation b. Condensation 

c. Transpiration d. Evaporation 

13. The amount of water in the ground is ________________. 

a. less than in the oceans b. 25 times more than all lakes and rivers 

c. one a quarter of the amount d. all of the above 

frozen in glaciers 

14. Which characteristic determines whether ground water will sink 

into the ground or run off? 

a. Slope of the land b. Level of ground saturation 

c. Rate of precipitation d. All of the above 

15. The zone of saturation is ________________. 

a. where water circulates underground b. is solid, impermeable rock 

c. feeds rivers and streams d. a and c 


a. When evaporation takes place b. When condensation takes place 

c. When precipitation falls d. When transpiration takes place 

17. Vegetation decreases the rate of runoff 


18. Permeable ground means ________________. 

a. rocky ground that doesn’t allow b. ground that is full of water 

water to pass through it d. ground that is really steep 


19. The temperature of ground water rises with increasing depth 


20. Heated water comes to the surface through natural openings 

in the ground called ________________. 

a. hot springs b. glaciers 

c. waterfalls d. artesian wells 


41

42 

Script 

SCENE ONE 

CAST 

Professor Science ............................................................host 

Victor Velocity ..................................................racecar driver 

Quiz Clown....................................................................clown 

Quizitor..........................................................................robot 

Star Struck ................................................................reporter 

Fizzle ............................................................................genie 

Wendy River ..............................................................cowgirl 

Nuke Rockney ..............................................................coach 

Ricky Wave ........................................................................DJ 

Sandy Space............................................................astronaut 

Salty Gales....................................................................pirate 

PROFESSOR SCIENCE 

Hello there! Welcome to another wacky episode of the Wonderful World 

of Science, starring..Me, Professor Science!!! Do I have a great show for 

you today! We are going to discuss the water cycle. No, it’s not some new 

aquatic recreation vehicle. The water cycle is nature’s way of distributing 

water to everyone and everything on Earth. 

Water is an essential part of the life cycle. It has a wide variety of functions. 

Water nourishes plants and animals, and carries impurities away. Water is 

capable of dissolving many things, and it even helps shape the face of the 

Earth. Pretty amazing stuff, huh? 

Just about all of the water on Earth today has been recycled millions of times. 

The water that was on Earth millions of years ago is the same water that you 

drink today. And the Earth has as much water today as it always has because 

of the Water Cycle. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have to conserve water. 

You see, we’re not really conserving water; we’re conserving the amount 

of recycling Earth has to do. 

On Earth, major elements and nutrients are used and recycled in Biogeochemical 

Cycles. Whew! That was a big word. Basically, a biogeochemical cycle is the 

Earth’s way of processing natural resources, such as nitrogen, oxygen, carbon, 

and most importantly — water! Living organisms can use these materials over 

and over again. 


Script 

Water is by far the most common compound found on Earth. About 75% of the 

Earth is water! That’s right, there is more water than land on our planet. Water 

even makes up about 70% of the weight of our bodies. All living things require 

water to survive. 

Let’s talk about the compound water for a minute. Old H20! That’s the scientific 

abbreviation for water. Each water molecule has two atoms of hydrogen and one 

atom of oxygen. The way these atoms combine accounts for the properties that 

make water so valuable. 

Water is referred to as the universal solvent because it has a property called 

polarity that helps break down other compounds. You see, the hydrogen 

atoms share their electrons with the oxygen atom, which gives the hydrogen 

side a positive charge, and the oxygen end a negative charge. This polarity 

causes water molecules to stick to one another. They also stick to molecules 

of other substances. That’s why water can break down and dissolve other 

materials so well. That’s why we use water to wash clothes and dishes. 

SCENE TWO 


Water naturally occurs in solid, liquid, and gas forms, depending on its 

temperature. When we think of water, we usually think of liquid. Snow 

and ice cubes are common examples of water in its solid form. Water 

vapor also exists in our air. You are probably familiar with the term 

“humidity”. It means the amount of water in the air. 

Water changes form as a result of its temperature. Water freezes to solid form 

at zero degrees Celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit. At 100 degrees Celsius or 

212 degrees Fahrenheit, which is commonly referred to as the boiling point, 

water escapes its liquid bonds and becomes vapor or gaseous. It remains 

liquid at temperatures in between. So, you see, water is pretty amazing stuff. 

Water’s ability to change form is what makes the water cycle so efficient. 

Let’s see how water travels through this cycle. 

Water is soaked up into the atmosphere everyday. That’s called evaporation. 

We have all seen what happens to puddles of water after a rainstorm. The sun 

comes out, and they dry up. Well, the water doesn’t just disappear; it changes 

form. You can’t see evaporation happening at a normal rate, but when we boil 

water, we can see the steam rising. This is evaporation at an increased rate. 

But a puddle doesn’t have to boil to evaporate. 


43

44 

Script 

You see, every molecule of water has what is called kinetic energy. This kinetic 

energy makes the molecules vibrate. Heat from the Sun can increase the kinetic 

energy, and make the molecules vibrate faster. As they move faster, they spread 

out. The molecules with the most energy escape their bonds with the slower 

moving water molecules, and are absorbed into the air as gas, or water vapor. 

The rate of evaporation is determined by the temperature and humidity level 

of the air. If the air is hot and dry, water will evaporate more quickly. If the air 

is cool and damp, evaporation is slow. 

Once the water vapor rises into the air, it reacts to atmospheric conditions. 

You see, our atmosphere can hold a certain amount of water vapor at a given 

temperature. The higher the temperature, the more water the atmosphere can 

hold. If the temperature cools, the kinetic energy in the water molecules slows 

down. The water vapor bonds together again and forms liquid droplets around 

dust particles in the air. This phase is called condensation. 

If the water vapor is close to the earth’s surface when it condenses, it forms fog. 

If this takes place higher in the atmosphere, the condensation forms clouds. The 

liquid water molecules hover in cloud formations, until the atmospheric conditions 

change. Wind currents move the droplets around, becoming bigger and heavier. 

When the condensed water droplets become too heavy, they fall to Earth as 

precipitation, or rain. 

Of course, precipitation can take in many forms, depending on the weather 

conditions. Snow, sleet and hail are all icy forms of precipitation. Mist and 

haze are lighter forms. Did you know that an estimated 4.2 billion gallons 

of precipitation fall on Earth every year? That’s a lot of water! 

Once the water has reached Earth again, it has completed the water cycle, 

and is ready to be evaporated back into the atmosphere. But water isn’t always 

evaporated as soon as it reaches the ground. Believe it or not, water has more 

interesting travels on and below Earth’s surface. But before we venture through 

water’s travels, let’s take a quiz break. 

Now that you’ve got the basics, a few of my friends are stopping by to quiz 

you on what you’ve learned so far. Enjoy! 


Script 

SCENE THREE 

VICTOR VELOCITY 

Hey! Just thought I would dash in to test your skills. Answer this one 

and I’ll see you shortly! 


a. The destruction of natural resources 

b. Earth’s way of recycling natural resources 

c. Human’s use of chemicals 

d. A motorcycle that runs on natural resources 

You sure zipped through that question! No sneaky curves for you! 

Make a note of your answer for later and then we’ll cruise! 

QUIZ CLOWN 

I can never get this red nose to stay on. While I figure this out, try this 

one for size! 


a. hydrogen 

b. carbon 

c. oxygen 

d. a and c only 

That seemed to fit pretty well! You must have been paying attention! 

Write down your answer and get ready to try this next one on for size! 

QUIZITOR 

Hello, I have been programmed to bring you a question. Get ready. 

Downloading question Three 

3. True or False: The Earth has less water today that it did 

a million years ago. 

Write down your answer now. Goodbye. 


45

46 

Script 

STAR STRUCK 

Hi guys! I am out here for the biggest premiere the science world has ever seen. 

Everybody is eagerly anticipating the release of the question. There is a lot of 

speculation about what it will be. Oh my, I think we’re about to find out! 


a.50% 

b.65% 

c.20% 

d.75% 

Oh wow! Nobody say that one coming! An up and comer took the show by 

surprise! Way to go! Write down your answers we can see how you felt about it! 

FIZZLE 

You’ll be the master when you get this one right! Give it a try! 


a. has been recycled only once 

b. has been recycled only twice 

c. has been recycled millions of times 

d. has never been recycled 

You didn’t let the smoke screen fool you on that one! Don’t forget to 

write down your answer for later! Make a wish and you’ll see me again! 

WENDY RIVER 

How did all of you cowboys and girls do on that last question? 

Let’s see if you can rope up this one now! 

Lassoing up question six 


a. Solid, liquid, ice 

b. Solid, liquid, gas 

c. Gas, vapor, ice 

d. Gas, liquid, ice 

You tied that one up like a pro! Don’t lose your answer, make a note of it! 

See ya on the range 


Script 

NUKE ROCKNEY 

Hustle, Hustle! You’ve been scoring well so far, keep it up! Let’s see if you can 

slam-dunk this next question! 

7. True or False: When the air is hot and dry, water will evaporate more quickly. 

Way to score! Keep track of your answer and we’ll see your total score later! 

RICKY WAVE 

Hey, that last one was a tough sounding one! I think we’ll play something 

smoother off the DJ lines for you now! Check out this sound! 


a. Polarity 

b. Molarity 

c. Solvent action 

d. Dissolving action 

Now that was one smooth question! What did you think? Let me know, 

send me a note with your answer! 

Now here’s another sound to keep you moving! 

SANDY SPACE 

Answer my question to win a trip into space on the water cycle shuttle! 

Anyone not on will be left high and dry! And won’t be able to see the 

earth from up high! 

9. The process in which water cools to form clouds is called _____________. 

a. precipitation 

b. condensation 

c. evaporation 

d. transpiration 

Well; how did you do? Who’s coming with me? Write down your answer 

so we’ll know for sure! 

SALTY GALES 

We’re just about through with this round and it looks like there is a squall 

ahead so let’s speed things up, matey! 



47

48 

Script 

a. water molecules rise into the air 

b. water vapor condenses into liquid droplets 

c. water droplets become too heavy and fall to the ground 

d. plants release water into the atmosphere 

Well, maties, you handled that like life-long boat lovers! As long as you 

give me your answer, you can be my first mate anytime. 

SCENE FOUR 


Welcome back! It’s time to take a little journey with water. Here we go! 

The basic water cycle, evaporation, condensation and precipitation, seems pretty 

simple. But water has a lot of functions on Earth, as well. As I was saying earlier, 

not all water evaporates immediately after it falls to the ground. Although 97% 

of all water is in the oceans, water travels on land, too, both above and below 

the ground. Only one-half percent of all water exists underground, but that’s 25 

times more than what flows in our rivers and lakes. Wow! There’s a lot of water 

in the ground. 

Remember how we talked about the properties of water? Well, ground water is 

usually in liquid form, except in arctic regions. If evaporation doesn’t occur, the 

force of gravity pulls water down, toward the center of Earth, through the path 

of least resistance. 

A number of factors determine the path of precipitation after it falls to the 

ground: the slope of the land, the amount of vegetation on the surface; 

the level of ground saturation, the amount and rate of rainfall, and the 

permeability of the ground. 

For example, if rain comes down on the side of a mountain that is rocky and 

steep, most of it will run down hill. This is called runoff. It doesn’t absorb 

easily into the ground, so it moves on. Further down the hill, the slope gets 

gentler, which slows the runoff down. Even further down the hill are trees 

and vegetation. These factors hold the runoff back even more. 

Some of the water that started at the top of the hill will reach ground that 

is permeable. That means liquid can flow through it. Sometimes that ground 

may already be saturated, or full of water. When this happens, the runoff 

continues to make its way to lower ground and streams or rivers. So, you 


Script 

see how many different factors help determine where precipitated water 

ends up. And we’ve just tapped the surface, so to speak. (ha ha ha) 

I mentioned that vegetation slows runoff. Plants absorb a considerable amount 

of ground water through their roots, and use it in their growth process. But they 

put it back into the atmosphere afterwards. Plants release water vapor into the 

atmosphere through pores in their leaves. This vapor is absorbed into the 

atmosphere. This type of evaporation is called transpiration. Even though 

we can’t see it happening, a lot of water is transferred through this process. 

Why, a birch tree can give off 70 gallons of water a day through transpiration. 

Can you imagine how much water comes from a whole forest? 

Underground, water accumulates and circulates in a zone of saturation. 

The zone, itself, is permeable. But the lower boundary of this zone is very solid, 

or impermeable, which stops the water from sinking further. The top level of the 

zone of saturation usually lies beneath the ground surface. It is called the water 

table. This top level is not flat like the surfaces of lakes and ponds. It tends to 

follow the landscape, higher at the hills and lower at the valleys. The water table 

rises and falls as the amount of water in the ground fluctuates. During a dry spell, 

the water table falls, and during heavy precipitation, the water table rises. 

The water table usually slopes down toward waterways, feeding streams, rivers, 

and lakes. Rivers carry water to seas and oceans. But in dry conditions, the water 

table sinks, and the streams are depleted. 

SCENE FIVE 


Much of the water used and consumed by humans is derived from ground water. 

In some places wells are dug below the ground into the zone of saturation. Water 

is pumped out of the ground. In other places, dams are built on rivers, and the 

extra water is held in reservoirs. These wells and water reserves ensure that 

people who don’t live near large bodies of water will have water all year long, 

even during dry spells. 

I bet you’re wondering why the ground water supply doesn’t run out! That would 

be due to a handy process called the water cycle. The water cycle evaporates 

water from the oceans and precipitates it all over, replenishing the ground water 

supply. This makes it possible for people and other living organisms to survive 

inland, far from large bodies of water. Think about it! Without this constant 


49

50 

Script 

distributing of water, humans, animals, and plants – would all have to live near 

rivers, lakes and oceans! 

There are two more places that water travels on Earth. Well, in certain places 

on Earth, the ground allows water to sink to significant depths. The temperature 

of ground water near the surface tends to follow the air temperature. 

But deeper underground, water heats up. For every 25 meters below the surface, 

ground water increases in temperature by about 1 degree Celsius. Water that 

sinks very deep is heated, and eventually makes its way back to the surface 

through natural openings in the ground called hot springs. 

Geysers are hot springs that shoot out of the ground at intervals. They are rare, 

but they can be found in Iceland, New Zealand and Yellowstone National Park. 

It is believed that the eruptions are a result of the pressure from movement and 

shifting that takes place deep below Earth’s surface. Pretty cool, huh? 

Now there’s one more place we can find water. Do you know where it is? Well, 

about 2% of our water is stored in glaciers and polar icecaps. A large portion of 

the Earth’s fresh water supply is stored in these frozen giants. A couple of places 

you can always find these are at the North and South Poles. In these regions, the 

average temperature is well below 0 degrees Celsius or 32 degrees Fahrenheit, 

which is the freezing point for water. Whew! Burr!! That’s pretty cold!! 

The water cycle is just another amazing natural process that takes place on Earth. 

It repeats through the phases of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation to 

allow living organisms, like us, to use and reuse this valuable natural resource. 

I don’t know about you, but all of this talk about water is really making me thirsty. 

Answer some quick questions with my friends while I go grab a drink! 

SCENE SIX 

VICTOR VELOCITY 

That was really interesting, but let’s pick up the pace with this brainteaser as we 

head around this corner! 

11. The ________ allows living organisms can live a distance from bodies of water. 

a. water polarity 

b. water temperature 

c. water savings program 

d. water cycle 


Script 

Well, you own that one! Write down your answer and let’s take on the next one! 

QUIZ CLOWN 

This water cycle stuff is nothing to clown around about! Were you listening? 

Try to handle this! 


a. Precipitation 

b. Condensation 

c. Transpiration 

d. Evaporation 

You tamed that easily! Write down what you chose so I can learn that trick. 

Uh oh!! 

RICKY WAVE 

Hey there all you science gurus out there! Thanks for tuning in to hear Ricky and 

his top science hits! I bring you only the best, most jamming questions around! 

Check this new one out! 

13. The amount of water in the ground is ___________. 

a. less than in the oceans 

b. 25 times more than all lakes and rivers 

c. only a quarter of the amount frozen in glaciers 

d. all of the above 

All right! Smooth! Keep those requests coming in, just write down the answer! 

Here comes another request for you and then I’m outta here! Keep rockin’! 

SANDY SPACE 

Whew! We are really moving up here in space today! Orbiting the earth can 

really throw off your perception of time! How is your perception of this topic? 

14. Which characteristic determines whether ground water will sink into the 

ground or run off? 

a. Slope of the land 

b. Level of ground saturation 

c. Rate of precipitation 

d. All of the above 


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Script 

It’s good to see your grasp on things isn’t up in the air. Make a note of your 

answer so you can keep your feet on the ground! 

FIZZLE 

Answer my question correctly and you’ll be the first to unlock the mystery 

of water! 

15. The zone of saturation ________________. 

a. is where water circulates underground 

b. is solid, impermeable rock 

c. feeds rivers and streams 

d. a and c 

Ok, somebody forgot to tell me that you are genie experts. I imagine you 

wrote down the answer already too? Well, I’m going back to my bottle 

to try to think of something to stump you with. 

WENDY RIVER 

Round it up kids! Time to teach you how to ride a bronc! 


a. When evaporation takes place 

b. When condensation takes place 

c. When precipitation falls 

d. When transpiration takes place 

Well, golly! You must show me your answer, because you handled him 

like a old mare who’s put out to pasture! 

NUKE ROCKNEY 

You’re doin’ great! Pick up the pace and we can win this one! 

17. True or False: Vegetation decreases the rate of runoff. 

Why I do believe you may have broken a record. Be sure to write that one down! 

Now take a victory lap! 

QUIZITOR 

I am the robot Quizitor. I have something on my hard drive for you. 


Script 

18. Permeable ground means __________. 

a. ground that is full of water 

b. rocky ground that doesn’t allow water to pass through it 


d. ground that is really steep 

Quizitor congratulates you. Write your answer down for confirmation. Thank you. 

That is all. 

STAR STRUCK 

Well, the show is almost over and we have seen some amazing questions! Spring 

Rain and E. Quator were so interesting. There was really only one question I wish 

I had gotten. Oh my gosh! There it is! Move, outta my way 

19. True or False: The temperature of ground water rises with increasing depth. 

That was so amazing! I hope you all enjoyed that as much as I did. Let me know, 

write down your answers, and I’ll have the results later! 

SALTY GALES 

Last question! You made it! But remember, a perfect score will get you a grand 

feast in my galley! 

20. Heated water comes to the surface through natural openings in the ground 

called _____________. 

a. hot springs 

b. glaciers 

c. waterfalls 

d. artesian wells 

Well, come aboard maties! The boarding pass would be the correct answer 

written down, or else it’s to the plank for a swim for you! 

SCENE SEVEN 


You were great! The water cycle is very interesting and probably something you 

had never thought of before. I hope you enjoyed learning about water as much 

as my friends and I enjoyed teaching you. See you next time! 


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ANSWERS 

1. b. A biogeochemical cycle is Earth’s way of recycling natural resources. 

2. d. Water is made of hydrogen and oxygen. 

3. False The Earth has the same amount of water it did a million years ago. 

4. d. The earth is covered with 75% water. 

5. c. Water is recycled millions of times. 

6. b. Water comes in solid, liquid, and gas forms. 

7. True When the air is hot and dry, water does evaporate more quickly. 

8. a. Polarity makes molecules stick together. 

9. b. Condensation 

10. c. Precipitation occurs when water droplets become to heavy 

and fall to the ground. 

11. d. Living things can live away from bodies of water 

due to the water cycle. 

12. c. Transpiration takes place from plant leaves. 

13. b. Wind is not a type of water precipitation. 

14. d. All of the above 

15. d. The zone of saturation is where water circulates underground and 

feeds rivers and streams. 

16. c. The water table rises when precipitation falls. 

17. True Vegetation slows down water runoff. 

18. c. Permeable means water can pass through. 

19. True Ground water temperature rises as it goes deeper into the ground. 

20. a. Heated water comes to the surface through natural openings in the 

ground called hot springs.

Water Cycle - Marcom Projects

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